Playful, social, and passionate, crows have brains that are
huge for their body size, which allows them to think, plan,
and reconsider their actions. They also exhibit an avian
kind of eloquence, mate for life, and associate with
relatives and neighbors for years. And to people who care
for them and feed them, they often give oddly touching gifts
in return.

The ongoing connection between humans and crows—a cultural
coevolution—has shaped both species for millions of years.
Scientist John Marzluff teams up with artist-naturalist Tony
Angell to tell amazing stories of these brilliant birds.
With Marzluff’s extraordinary original research on the
intelligence and startling abilities of corvids—crows,
ravens, and jays—Angell’s gorgeous line drawings, and a
lively joint narrative, the authors offer an in-depth look
at these complex creatures and the traits and behaviors we
share, including language, delinquency, frolic, passion,
wrath, risk taking, and awareness.

Crows gather around their dead, warn of impending doom,
recognize people, commit murder of other crows, lure animals
to their death, swill coffee and drink beer, design and use
tools—including cars as nutcrackers—and windsurf and sled to
play.

With its abundance of funny, awe-inspiring, and poignant
stories, Gifts of the Crow portrays creatures who are
nothing short of amazing.